Chevalier de Drucour (Augustin) was the younger son of a noble Norman family. Joining the military service in 1719 he became a midshipman in the Gardes de la Marine and was stationed at the big naval base at Brest. He had a steady rise up the military ladder because of his own "good wisdom and good conduct." By 1751 he was a naval captain.

Before dealing with Drucour's appointment to Louisbourg, let me first deal with a few of the earlier events in Drucour's life. In October 1746, while aboard the Mars, a French naval vessel which was bringing supplies to Acadia, he was taken prisoner by the British. Where he was kept as such, is not clear; a year was to pass before Drucour was to be released and returned to France. In 1749, he was made "a knight of the order of Saint Louis." He was eventually given an important administrative post at Brest. Now, Brest was a major centre in France, one of the chief if not the chief naval port, a place full of people possessing major military and political influence, a place where powerful persons entertained themselves. It was after being in this position for a number of years that Drucour was offered the governorship of Ile Royale; his appointment coming on February 1st, 1754. "Drucour declined the offer because of his lack of wealth, but he was persuaded to change his mind." Drucour, his wife (Marie-Anne Aubert de Courserac) and "eight domestics" sailed from Brest in June of 1754 and arrived at Louisbourg on August the 15th.

In dealing with Drucour's career, it is necessary to give a few words about Madame Drucour, -- though likely she deserves a book. Madame Drucour was not only a tower of strength to her husband; but, to most all of those at Louisbourg; she fired the cannon during the siege and she assisted "all the unfortunate people who had recourse to her mediation."